California is effectively in a drought due to two years of persistently dry weather conditions. As a result most of California’s reservoirs are at lows that haven’t been seen in decades.

Why is water being released from Folsom Reservoir?

Folsom Reservoir is a multi-use facility that not only serves drinking water, but also acts as a flood protection facility, a cold water source for endangered fish in the Lower American River and used as a responder for water quality needs in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta.

The combination of historic dry conditions causing a dramatic reduction in precipitation/snow pack, coupled with legally required releases for water quality and fish species, the lake is experiencing extremely low conditions. To help keep more water in the reservoir for water supply, the cities of Folsom and Roseville; and the San Juan Water District actively work with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the federal agency that manages water releases from Folsom Reservoir, to ensure that releases provide balance and do not jeopardize our community's water supply.

Why were the wells turned on?

To preserve our water supply in Folsom Reservoir and to try to manage the limited supply we have, it was determined that the back-up groundwater wells should be activated. This action helped preserve our Folsom Reservoir water supply and mitigated the extent to which a mandatory water use reduction would be elevated.

As of February 28, 2014, all groundwater wells are turned off due to rains that temporarily improved the water levels at Folsom Reservoir.

When were the wells turned on?

The wells were turned on during the week of January 27, 2014, with a notice given via a mass telephone message from the City of Roseville targeted to the areas in Roseville that may likely experience groundwater. The City of Roseville also conducted specialized outreach to neighborhood leaders, the business community and specialized facilities that may be sensitive to water characteristics.

As of February 28, 2014, all groundwater wells are turned off due to rains that temporarily improved the water levels at Folsom Reservoir.

What wells are being turned on and what areas are going to get groundwater served to them?

As of February 28, 2014, all groundwater wells are turned off due to rains that temporarily improved the water levels at Folsom Reservoir. Roseville maintains four groundwater wells as a back-up water supply when surface water supplies begin running low due to drought conditions. Areas that receive groundwater, when the wells are turned on, are primarily in western and southern parts of Roseville but based on demands and the highly networked distribution system it may expand beyond these areas.

Is groundwater served to us safe to drink?

Yes, the groundwater is tested as required by state and federal law, meets all drinking water regulatory requirements, and is safe to drink and use as you normally would. Some may notice a difference in the taste of the water since it is harder than the surface water you are normally served. Additionally, you may notice water spots on your shower, toilet and other water fixtures due to harder water. But again, it is safe to drink and use.

Will the City of Roseville notify us when we are back on water from Folsom Reservoir?

Yes, the City of Roseville closed the loop with its water customers and notifyed them when they were back on surface water. As of February 28, 2014, all groundwater wells were turned off due to rains that temporarily improved the water levels at Folsom Reservoir.

What is Roseville doing to get residents and businesses to reduce their water use?

The City of Roseville has instituted a mandatory 20 percent reduction in water use for its residential and business water customers. The call for the mandatory water use reduction comes during an unprecedented period of dry conditions that have significantly depleted the water available from Folsom Reservoir, Roseville's main water supply. To help with the mandatory 20 percent water use reduction, the City of Roseville is offering these water efficiency tips:

Residents and businesses should monitor water use on their utility bill. An easy way to do this is to sign up for the city’s Water Insight online program atroseville.waterinsight.com.

Reduce irrigation – shut off outdoor irrigation and only water if landscape becomes stressed.

Sign up for a Water Wise House Call or Water Wise Business Call by calling 774-5761 or online atroseville.ca.us/housecall. We can assist customers in identifying leaks, setting irrigation timers and generally helping them make their home or business more water efficient.

Although the city cannot recommend a specific brand of water softener to use, water softener units that are serviced by outside services as opposed to on-site generation systems create less salinity impacts on the city’s wastewater system and recycled water. On site generation systems discharge salts into the wastewater system, where serviced systems take the resulting salts and dispose of them outside of the city’s wastewater system. Salinity discharged into the wastewater systems create treatment challenges and introduce salts to landscaped areas serviced by recycled water like golf courses, medians and parks.

If you decide to move forward with installing a water softener system, such systems may require a permit from the City of Roseville before they are installed. Please call (916) 774-5332 for more information on permits.

Additionally, customers on low-sodium diets or related restrictions should consult their doctor before having a water softener installed in your home.

How do you measure a 20 percent reduction against my water use?

Customers should look at their month to date number from the previous year in their utility bill and strive to reduce their water use by the prescribed percentage. Tips on how to reduce water use can be found at roseville.ca.us/savewater. Customers can also call 774-5761 for help to reach the prescribed water use reduction percentage.